Read below for special stories, memories and photographs contributed by current and former residents of Strathroy. Want to share your own story? Click here for information on how to add to our virtual history project.

A Community's Story, by Emeria Soares

"As a daughter of the late Henrique (Henry) and Evarista (Eva) DaPonte, I am submitting my community story in their memory. Strathroy has become a community that I love and my home since 1956."
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Santa Hoot, by John Grogan and Michael Grogan

"I'd like to tell you about one Strathroy family's Christmas tradition that goes all the way back to World War II."
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My First Night in Strathroy, by Anne Pelkman

"My husband Martin was offered a job at Franklin Electric."
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The Tall, Fair-Haired Curry Boy, by John P. Sargeant

"The small detail snapped to attention and Arthur moved slowly along the line of soldiers, checking every detail."
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The End of the Second World War, by Fran Long Carruthers

"It was V.E. Day, and I was attending S.D.C.I."
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School Buses, by Bill Groot (features photographs)

"I was raised on a farm in Adelaide Township, but I considered Strathroy my hometown."
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We are also pleased to present "Tales of Our Town," a special local history column that is written by members of the Strathroy & District Historical Society, and appears monthly in the Strathroy Age Dispatch. Thank you to the SDHS members who are willing to share their stories in honour of Strathroy's 150th anniversary.

Schools Without Buses, by Libby McLachlan

"Getting to school has always been a concern for rural students."
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Samuel Plank Remembers, by Anne Pelkman

"When Samuel Bird Plank (Planck) died on February 22, 1936 at 83 he was the oldest Strathroy-born citizen and a life-long resident of the town."
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The Carriage Step, by Janet Cummer

"When I was growing up on Front Street in the 1950’s, there was a carriage step containing a metal ring at the corner of Emily and Front Streets."
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Mechanics in the Library, by Lindsay Brock

"Generations of area residents have taken advantage of all that the Strathroy Public Library offers."
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History Repeating With New Stores, by Anne Pelkman

"An article in the Age Dispatch of October 22, 1953 noted that when the Grand Union Carroll Supermarket, under construction on the corner of Front and Head Streets was finished in 1954, history would be repeating itself."
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Hull's Cottages, by Morley & Clara Thomas

"For more than 135 years Hull’s Cottages have stood near the corner of Hull Road and the Victoria/Caradoc Streets junction in Strathroy."
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National Media Marked Currie's Achievements, by Brianna Hammer

"A substantial article appeared in the August 23, 1919 edition of the Calgary Daily Herald with a headline proclaiming, “General Currie, A Born Leader and Commander of Leaders.”
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Early Land Speculation in Strathroy, by Bill Groot

"Plans for a railway station in Strathroy and various proposals for routes of the Sarnia branch of the Great Western Railroad led to speculative land transactions.”
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Strathroy Seen Through 1882 Bylaws, by Libby MacLachlan

"Bylaws may sound like dull reading, but The Consolidated Bylaws of the Town of Strathroy 1882 gives a fascinating glimpse of life in the 1880’s.”
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The Deep Roots of MacKinlay Paul Park, by Andrew Meyer

"MacKinlay-Paul Park, located in the heart of Strathroy, represents the achievement of a number of community groups working together to restore a heritage park to its former splendour."
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Did You Ever...? by Larry Peters

"Did you ever... have your bread delivered by Ernie Moran?"
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Glory Days of the Geddes Store, by Janet Cummer

"It was a wintry day in March 1881 when the Geddes Bros. Store opened its doors for business in Strathroy."
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Early Life in Adelaide Village, by Lindsay Brock

"About 20 years after the first settlers came to Adelaide Township in 1832, my ancestor, George Brock, arrived in Adelaide Village."
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Strathroy Welcomes Its Sons & Daughters Home from War, by Vaughan MacPherson

"With the end of the War in Europe in May 1945 thousands of troops anxiously awaited their turn to come home."
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Honouring Strathroy's Pioneers, by Libby McLachlan

"It was quite a party! We know that from the full page account in the tiny print of the London Free Press of January 23, 1864."
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Strathroy's Town Halls, by Anne Pelkman

"Strathroy’s fine Town Hall on Frank Street, built in 1928, is actually the fourth building to serve as the town’s administrative centre."
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Showtime in Strathroy, by Clara McCandless Thomas

"In the late 1920s and 1930s, after the New Year, Sarah Gibney would come to town by train, bringing with her the rights to produce a stage show that had already been popular in the States."
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The Noble Home, by Janet Cummer

"114 Oxford Street may not seem a prestigious location by today’s standards, but look again."
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The Legacy of Education in Caradoc Township, by Lindsay Brock

"Education became a concern of Caradoc residents, so the first school was opened on the ninth concession in the early 1830’s. Within ten years, seven more schools were operating."
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Train Excursions in the Railway Era, by Libby McLachlan

"Strathroy residents could venture off to Sarnia or Port Stanley for the day with a group of friends and a picnic basket."
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1960 Centennial Celebrations a 5-Day Affair, by Brianna Hammer

"Strathroy was a hairy place to be in the spring of 1960."
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